India Imposes Total Ban on Imports from Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi, May 3: In a sweeping move aimed at protecting national security, the Government of India has imposed a total ban on all imports and maritime access involving Pakistan. This significant policy shift follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and security personnel.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has amended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, inserting a new provision titled “Prohibition on Import from Pakistan.” The official notification, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), states:

“Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.”

This means no goods, whether directly imported from or transiting through other nations, can be brought into India if they originate in Pakistan. The order also makes clear that any exceptions will require prior approval from the Government of India.

This prohibition is part of a broader set of punitive actions taken in the wake of Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Other measures include:

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari

• Reduction of diplomatic staff in High Commissions

In a parallel move, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has banned Pakistani-flagged ships from entering Indian ports. Additionally, Indian-flagged vessels are now prohibited from visiting ports in Pakistan. These maritime restrictions fall under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and are designed to protect India’s shipping infrastructure, cargo, and strategic assets.

The ministry’s order emphasized:

“The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests.”

The cumulative effect of these actions marks a significant diplomatic and economic escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Analysts view this as a firm message from India, signaling zero tolerance for terrorism and a robust stance on national security.

As the situation develops, global observers and trade experts await further clarification on how this will impact regional commerce and geopolitical dynamics.